Five Reasons Why Employees Are Thankful

Aside from providing large salaries, big bonuses and all kinds of cushy perks, what can you do to make your staffers thankful for being at work? Try a combination of proactive, professional developmental efforts, along with the fostering of an inviting work environment, according to a recent survey from OfficeTeam. Fortunately, CIOs can address many—but not all—of these needs through an effective, holistic leadership style. They can cultivate, for example, a friendly office culture in which professionals not only enjoy working with each other, but they actually like their colleagues. "Many full-time workers spend more than half of their waking hours at the office, so having friendly co-workers can make all the difference," says Robert Hosking, executive director of OfficeTeam. Taking a genuine interest in their careers helps, too. And as daily commutes can wear down an employee, it doesn't hurt to remain open to work-from-home days and flex schedules. (Salary and other compensation criteria were not considered for the purposes of the survey.) More than 400 U.S. workers took part in the research. For more about the survey, click here.

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Appreciative Thoughts: Peer Acceptance

24% of employees are thankful for friendly coworkers.

Appreciative Thoughts: Beneficial Environment

20% are thankful for good benefits.

Appreciative Thoughts: Smooth Ride

16% are thankful for an easy commute.

Appreciative Thoughts: Up to the Task

15% are thankful for challenging work assignments.

Appreciative Thoughts: High Praise

11% are thankful for supportive managers.

Generation Gap

34% of workers under 35 are thankful for friendly co-workers, which is twice that of those age 35 to 44.